January 6, 2021 was a much noticed day. In the Pittsburgh media and jazz community, it was also notable as the day our friend, leader, and colleague Tony Mowod died at the age of 85.

Tony was one of the best jazz radio broadcasters, ever. On a special edition of the Scene we share sound from his career and thoughts from WZUM General Manager Scott Hanley.

Tony’s early start in radio came at WDUQ as a student in the 1950’s, when jazz, at first, wasn’t allowed to be programmed.

Out of Duquesne University, Tony went to New York to pursue an acting career, venturing out with fellow Pittsburgh native, Chuck Grodin. But he came back home to Pittsburgh, and his bride-to-be, Liz (who passed less than a month before Tony, December 10, 2020).

Other radio stops included WAZZ, WTAE (when Al “Jazzbeau” Collins was there, too), WKPA, WYDD, and WAMO. Plus, time on TV and in area theater, including summer stock, the Pittsburgh Playhouse and the Pittsburgh Children’s theater.

Tony was a fixture on the radio airwaves in Pittsburgh and across the nation for decades, but much of his career was in formats other than jazz. He was also an actor and a restaurateur.

Years later, in 1987, he returned to WDUQ with his “Nightside” program, drawing large, appreciative and supportive audiences. Around that same time, he led the creation of the Pittsburgh Jazz Society, which became the perfect synergy to help sustain and enrich the Pittsburgh jazz scene. He was also an active and enthusiastic supporter of MCG Jazz from its very beginnings.

Hundreds of local and national artists came to find Tony, WDUQ and Pittsburgh as “must go” destinations. Combined with his volunteer work with the Pittsburgh Jazz Society, a remarkable synergy was born.

On the show, we share early sounds of Tony from WYDD in 1969, including a wonderful tune by Pittsburgh native Ron Anthony, “It’s Always 4am,” performed by Bobbi Boyle.

Also, Tony favorites like “Hymn to Friday” by Oscar Brown, Jr; “Night LIghts” by Gerry Mulligan and the theme (anthem, really!), “For Lena and Lennie” by Quincy Jones.

We’ll also share sounds from other parts of Tony’s career, and music from some of his favorites - Shirley Horn, Frank Sinatra, Mark Murphy, Stanley Turrentine, Milt Jackson, Ray Brown and Gene Ludwig.

After the sale of WDUQ in 2011, Tony joined the team of the Pittsburgh Jazz Channel, to keep those sounds and that community going. First online, then through 88.1 FM, AM 1550, and, finally, 101.1 FM in Pittsburgh.

The rich tradition of jazz he shepherded for Pittsburgh will continue for years and years to come. Tony has a deep library of recorded programs for WZUM, and with the approval and encouragement of his family, we will continue airing them as a part of WZUM’s offerings..